Paying it forward again; T ‘N G to hold bathroom remodel contest once more
Published 10:14 am Wednesday, January 7, 2015
A wide view of the remodeled bathroom of Jason and Shannon Ferch, who were the winners of the first T ‘N G Pay It Foward contest. Herald file photos
T ‘N G Plumbing is getting ready to pay it forward once more.
The Dexter company will once again accept nominations to remodel a bathroom for a family in need in this year’s Pay It Forward contest.
“Usually, I find the ones that need it the most are the ones that aren’t going to ask,” said Gina Grundmeier, co-owner of T ‘N G Plumbing.
T ‘N G will hold a nomination period from Jan. 11 to Feb. 1 where people can submit an essay nominating a local person or family who deserves a new bathroom — whether it be a U.S. military serviceman or servicewoman, an elderly couple in need of handrails, or someone who needs the help.
The essay must also include information about the nominated person’s family as well as photos of their bathroom.
Several people who aren’t part of T ‘N G Plumbing will look over the essays and give Gina and her husband Todd a list of 10 finalists. T’N G will then inspect the bathrooms in question and hopefully announce a winner by mid-February.
Jason Ferch demonstrates how much more space he has when entering his remodeled bathroom.
Nominated parties can’t be related to someone working on the project, however. More consideration will be given to people who only have one bathroom inside a house, as opposed to someone who wants a second bathroom finished.
Contractors will work on the project from March 16 to 20, while the nominated family stays at the Holiday Inn for free.
Last year, Jason and Shannon Ferch were selected as the first Pay It Forward family to receive a bathroom makeover, which came in well over $5,000 in donated parts and labor.
T ‘N G and area contractors redesigned Jason and Shannon’s bathroom to allow Jason, who is handicapped to have more space to use the facilities.
Jason and Shannon Ferch discuss the bathroom situation they had before the T ‘N G Pay It Forward promotion remodeled their bathroom. Herald file photo
In addition, everyone involved also went above and beyond for the family. They helped paint Jason and Shannon’s kitchen and replace the family’s water heater, water softener and patched some faulty electrical wiring.
“Jason Ferch was such a deserving guy, but he would have never asked for it,” Gina said.
Gina said all the contractors have been lined up once again and thanked everyone involved for donating their time and effort, including a $200 tab at Torge’s Live donated by Holiday Inn staff so workers can get a free meal during the week.
Gina also hopes to work with community leaders to help raise funds to keep the contest going each year.
Entries can be emailed to payitforward@tngplumbing.com or sent to T ‘N G Plumbing at 64456 230th St. in Dexter. Mailed entries must be postmarked by Feb. 1. Incomplete entries, such as nominations without photos of the bathroom or no contact information, will not be considered.
